SPEAR NEWS
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has alleged that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was complicit in the recent vandalism of oil pipelines by militants in the state.
Defending President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, Fagbemi asserted that Governor Fubara not only failed to take action to prevent the attacks but also indirectly enabled the militants’ activities.
“There was what I would call telegraphing of the militants by the governor,” Fagbemi said.
“He initially suggested that he would let them know when it was time to act. Even if we assume that was just rhetoric, did he come out to disown them when they took action? The answer is no. And barely a week after, we saw the vandalization of oil pipelines.”
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has underscored the critical role of oil infrastructure in Nigeria’s economy, cautioning that those involved in its destruction are enemies not only of Rivers State but of the entire nation.
Fagbemi defended the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers, stating that their inability to foster a stable environment for governance necessitated the decision.
“The President acted based on the Supreme Court’s judgment, but also to protect critical infrastructure in Rivers State,” he explained.
“People were living in fear, and some were losing their lives. This is an extraordinary situation that required decisive action.”
The AGF dismissed claims that Tinubu’s intervention was hasty, insisting that the escalating crisis left the President with no choice.
Fagbemi also noted that the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to overturn the suspensions by refusing to grant the required two-thirds majority approval.
“The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly,” he stated.
“If they do not ratify it, the suspensions will not stand.”
Discussion about this post